The coffin is a powerful and thought-provoking play written by acclaimed British playwright, David Storey. It follows the story of six men who have come together to carry out the task of building a coffin for an unnamed person. As they work, they engage in conversations that expose their innermost thoughts, fears, and desires. Through their interactions, Storey explores themes of masculinity, identity, and mortality.
The play opens with the six men gathered in a small workshop, surrounded by tools and materials. They are all dressed in overalls and seem to be skilled workers. However, as the play progresses, we learn that these men are not just manual laborers but also intellectuals with complex emotions and struggles.
One of the key themes in The coffin is masculinity. The characters are all men, and their discussions revolve around what it means to be a man in society. They share stories from their pasts, discussing their relationships with their fathers and how they were taught to express or suppress their emotions. Through these conversations, Storey challenges traditional notions of masculinity and presents a more nuanced view of manhood.
Another significant theme in the play is identity. As the men work on the coffin, they reveal different aspects of themselves that are often hidden from the outside world. One character admits to being a closeted homosexual, while another shares his struggles with mental illness. These confessions show that beneath the surface of their rough exteriors, these men are grappling with personal issues that shape their identities.
One particularly poignant scene in The coffin involves two characters – Harry and Jack – reminiscing about their childhoods. Harry tells Jack about his unhappy upbringing and how he was never able to form a meaningful connection with anyone. This leads to a heated exchange between them where they both confront each other about their insecurities and vulnerabilities. This scene highlights how our past experiences can shape our present selves and affect our relationships with others.
Mortality is another central theme in the play. As the men build the coffin, they inevitably contemplate their own mortality. They share their fears and hopes about death, with some expressing a desire to be remembered after they are gone. This fear of being forgotten is a universal human emotion, and Storey captures it beautifully through his characters.
The title of the play – The coffin – is symbolic and carries multiple meanings. On one level, it represents death and the inevitability of our mortal fate. However, as the play progresses, we also see how the coffin becomes a symbol of hope and rebirth for some of the characters. It gives them a sense of purpose and allows them to confront their past traumas.
Storey’s writing in The coffin is both poetic and raw. He uses simple language to explore complex emotions and ideas. His characters feel like real people with flaws and vulnerabilities, making them relatable to the audience. Through their conversations, Storey challenges societal norms and stereotypes while also offering a glimpse into the complexities of human nature.
The coffin has been praised for its powerful performances and thought-provoking themes by critics and audiences alike. It has been staged numerous times since its debut in 1959 and continues to resonate with audiences all around the world.
In conclusion, The coffin is a masterful exploration of masculinity, identity, and mortality. Through his characters’ intimate conversations, David Storey presents a moving commentary on what it means to be human. The play reminds us that beneath our external facades, we all have fears, desires, and struggles that make us who we are. Its enduring relevance makes it a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the depths of the human psyche.